Portable lap tray with adjustable torso protector section

ABSTRACT

A portable, reusable lap tray including a detachable torso protector section. The portable lap tray section is molded from a rigid, food grade plastic material and includes a flat, textured support surface and a raised lip around the entire perimeter. The lap tray section has a curved back edge to generally conform to the user&#39;s waist and has raised attachment clip channels located on the top surface to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section. The bottom surface of the lap tray section is textured and has molded guidelines to define areas for the end user to apply adhesive-backed, slip-resistant material. The torso protector section is molded of a flexible composite material, having an hourglass shape with a flat surface and raised edges that aid in channeling spilled food or beverage down torso protector section where it is contained within the attached lap tray section. The torso protector section has two cylindrical attachment points along the bottom edge that allow for pivotal movement of the torso protector section as well as ease of attachment and detachment from the lap tray section. The top portion of the torso protector section has a slight downward radius or concavity from the upper edge and has molded trim lines, having like curvature to the uppermost edge, for custom trimming to accommodate the size of both adults and children.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] “Not Applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] “Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

[0003] “Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to portable trays for eating or drinking while in a seated position. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable tray with a means to protect the user's upper body or torso section from spills during use, as in relation to aprons or bibs.

[0005] In today's fast-paced society, there is an ever-increasing trend for people to consume food and beverages while traveling in a vehicle. Many people also frequent fast food and take-out establishments, as evidenced by the number of successful fast food and “drive-thru” restaurants. Moreover, the number of meals prepared and consumed within the home has decreased sharply for many families in recent years, as a result of the financial necessity for more parents or guardians to work longer hours outside the home. And while automobile designers have focused on appealing to customer convenience, very few improvements have been made regarding food consumption for the outside salesperson, truck driver and automotive travelers and their families. People who eat while seated in their vehicles must still do so without a table and must inconveniently lean over a makeshift surface such as a napkin or food wrap, in an effort to keep food or drink from spilling or dripping, thereby soiling their torso, lap and vehicle interior. Napkins and food wrapping materials are not designed for this purpose in that they are not very absorbent, inconvenient to use and offer little protection against liquid beverages or foods likely to drip or spill (i.e. ketchup, mustard, etc.), and provide virtually no protection from spills that are likely to occur on the torso. Using a plate or cafeteria-style tray while eating in a vehicle may be somewhat more convenient, but this practice does not solve the problem of the likelihood of the plate or tray sliding off the user's lap, and also offers no protection for the torso. The same problems listed above are commonly experienced while eating at sporting events, picnics or any other situation where food or beverages may be consumed in a temporary setting.

[0006] Previous attempts have been made to provide a portable lap tray for eating or drinking while in a seated position as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,561; U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,532; U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,275; U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,455; U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,692; U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,968; U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,359; U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,224; U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,159; U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,605; U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,869; U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,450; U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,558; U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,916; which are all referred to herein.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,561 issued to Lorenzana, U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,532 issued to Overkamp, U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,275 issued to Spulgis, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,455 issued to Miller all include a means for consuming food and beverage in a seated position, however, none offer any means of torso protection.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of the Overkamp and the Miller patents, both designs incorporate an aperture on the surface of the tray for holding beverages, allowing food or liquid to spill onto the user's lap through said aperture. The Spulgis patent has no containment feature and allows spilled liquid or food items to be channeled off the user's lap onto the floor. The Lorenzana patent provides a place for different food items, beverages and a compartment for utensils, but there is little room for spill containment within the recessed areas allowing spilled food or liquid to drain onto the user's lap.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,692 issued to Cox, U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,224 issued to Ashcraft, U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,968 issued to Crockett, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,359 issued to Jiang and U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,605 issued to Bowen all describe a portable food tray or apron with a means for protecting the user's torso, however, none of the designs provide a means for containment of spills as food and liquid may run freely off the sides of the tray as well as the areas intended for protection of the user's torso.

[0010] In reference to U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,159 issued to Zemke, Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,869 issued to Ekovich, both designs must be fastened around the neck of the user and may be inconvenient to many users. In addition, both patents have no provision for preventing food or liquid from draining off the sides of the apron or bib, such as in the case that the flexible material develops folds when slackening from movement of the user, or the apron or bib material becomes situated in a convex manner across the user's torso due to the shape of the user's body. Furthermore, the Zernke Jr. patent describes a combination tray and bib that provides some spill protection in the tray portion, but it is not reusable and has no rigid tray surface to support food or beverages.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,916 issued to Bell describes a bib for use while operating a vehicle and is manufactured from plastic sheeting, but it must be inconveniently fastened with rings around the user's neck and the steering wheel and lacks a rigid support surface for food and beverage items.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,558 issued to Stang defines a food tray and bib system that includes a tray assembly for supporting food items, however, it is meant to be disposable, must be fastened around the user's neck, and the rigid tray assembly is inconvenient to store in a vehicle. Furthermore, there is no means for adjustability and may be uncomfortable for persons having long torsos wherein the tray could become suspended from the attachment point around the user's neck and may not reach the lap to rest in a comfortable and stable manner. Conversely, the lack of adjustability is unpractical for children with smaller torsos should the bib collapse upon itself, thereby hampering stability and defeating the purpose of the side walls to channel food and liquid into the lower tray section.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,450 issued to Hagestad describes a combination bib and tray system wherein the bib is made from a rectangular sheet of flexible material that provides Velcro anchor points for surface attachment of a tray with three compartments for food and beverage. While the tray's design does provide some protection from spills on the user's lap and torso, the crease at the lap of the user dividing the bib into a chest portion and a leg portion has no provision for preventing food or liquid from spilling and traversing along the crease down onto the user's lap and seat. Spilled food and drink could also migrate under the attached tray and onto the user's legs and floor, as there is no device for containment on the perimeter of the leg portion. The bib must also be inconveniently fastened around the neck of the user. The rigid tray attachment has a substantial height and can not be compactly stored in a vehicle.

[0014] In reference to some previous designs that incorporate rigid or semi-rigid devices for torso protection, where the device is intended to be situated beneath the user's neck, the question of user safety must be addressed. In the case that these devices are used in a moving vehicle, a possible hazard exists should the user's body be thrust forward.

[0015] In reference to adjustability, all the above referenced combination tray-bib/apron designs do not provide a means for custom-fitting of the torso protection device (i.e. adults and children with torsos of varying size).

[0016] In reference to convenient cleaning and storage, all the above referenced combination tray-bib/apron designs do not combine the benefits of easy cleaning for reuse with convenient storage. Previous designs incorporating corrugated paper products or flexible sheeting material are either disposable, inconvenient to clean or may not provide a sanitary surface for future use.

[0017] Consequently, there is a need for a portable, reusable lap tray to be used for eating and drinking while in a seated position, that contains spills and effectively combines the benefits of lap and torso protection with user convenience.

[0018] A further need exists for a portable lap tray, having the aforementioned attributes, that is easily cleaned and stored for reuse.

[0019] A further need exists for a portable lap tray, having the aforementioned attributes, that is safe, slip-resistant and adjustable to accommodate adults and children.

[0020] A further need exists for a portable lap tray, having the aforementioned attributes, that is stable, self-supporting, and need not be attached to the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0021] It is therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a durable lap tray that is portable, reusable and has a detachable torso protector section. Said torso protector section is made of soft, flexible material which is both safe to use and can be custom trimmed and adjusted to accommodate the size of both adults and small children.

[0022] It is a further object of the present invention, thereby, when both sections of the present invention are attached as intended for use, said invention provides effective protection for the user's lap and torso, in the case that food or liquid beverage is spilled by the user while eating or drinking during proper usage of the present invention in a seated position.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a torso protector section is provided as an integral part of the invention, which attaches to a portable lap tray section allowing for a means of pivoting the torso protector in a direction toward or away from the user's torso. The torso protector is molded of a flexible composite material, having an hourglass shape with a flat surface and raised edges on both sides. The top portion has a slight downward radius from the upper edge with molded trim lines spaced at one-inch increments and parallel with like curvature to the uppermost edge. The bottom portion has two identically molded cylindrical attachment points positioned along the bottom edge and equally spaced from the outer edges for stability. The thickness of the flexible material of the torso protector section is greater at the bottom where it attaches to the tray section to further enhance stability and becomes progressively thinner along the axis up to the top edge where increased flexibility is required.

[0024] One advantage of the torso protector section of the present invention is the spill protection it provides to virtually any user, resulting from a combination of unique design features. Specifically, the width of said section, having a slight inward concavity along both sides, will accommodate most adult and child torsos, said hourglass shape facilitating user comfort and freedom of arm movement during use. The length of said section, being constructed of flexible material, may be easily trimmed with scissors according to the provided molded guidelines or to any other desired length to rest comfortably and in practical orientation to the user's torso. The raised lip located on both side edges of said section, being constructed of the same material, aids in channeling spilled food or drink conveniently down said section to be contained within the attached lap tray section of the present invention.

[0025] Another advantage of the torso protector section of the present invention is the ability it provides for the user to quickly and easily attach and detach said section from the integral lap tray section for compact and convenient storage, and for ease of cleaning of both sections of the present invention.

[0026] Another advantage of the torso protector section of the invention is that the material and design of said section provides a safe, self-supporting, convenient, flexible surface during use and does not require attachment to the user's neck or any other part of the user's body. The shape and design features of said section also allow for freedom of movement and comfort during use of the present invention. Furthermore, the flexibility of said section, as derived through the use of the appropriate composition and thickness of the material, will readily collapse away from the user's body to prevent possible injury in the case that the user's body is thrust forward.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the portable lap tray section is molded from a rigid-food grade plastic material and includes a flat support surface having a basic rectangular shape with rounded corners to accommodate food items. The top and bottom surfaces of the tray incorporate a texture as part of the molding process to provide slip resistance where the bottom surface of the tray contacts the user's lap, and where food items contact the tray when placed on the top surface during use. The bottom surface of the tray has molded guidelines to define areas for the end user to apply additional adhesive-backed slip-resistant material. The entire perimeter of the tray has a raised lip that serves as a containment barrier for spilled food and beverages. The tray has a curved back edge to generally conform to the user's waist providing for a more stable fit when resting on the user's lap in a seated position. Raised identical attachment clip channels are located on the top surface of the tray at an equal distance from the back edge and positioned to coincide with and accept the cylindrical shaped attachment points of the torso protector section of the invention, allowing for unobstructed pivotal movement of the torso protector section when attached to the tray section during use. Said attachment clip channels have convex dimple “pressure” points located on the interior channel walls to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section to the tray section.

[0028] Attachment of the two sections of the invention for use is easily accomplished by first, proper orientation and positioning of each section of the invention for use, placing the torso protector attachment points into the tray clip channels and applying slight downward pressure with the torso protector section to compress the flexible attachment points as they are moved past and below the convex dimple points on the channel clip walls to rest firmly between the dimple points and the base of the channels, thereby establishing a secure attachment of the two sections of the present invention, without compromising the pivoting adjustment capability. This means of attachment provides slight and proper tension at the pivotal point to maintain a desired angle of the torso protector in relationship to the attached lap tray section so that the torso protector section may be easily adjusted to rest in a comfortable and practical manner on the user's torso. Conversely, the torso protector section may be easily separated from the lap tray section for cleaning or storage with a slight upward pulling motion on the torso protector section, as in reverse of the attachment procedure.

[0029] One advantage of the lap tray section of the invention is that it provides the user the ability to use the present invention without the need for plates for food items, as the construction material consists of food-grade plastic that is dishwasher safe.

[0030] Another advantage of the lap tray section of the invention is the ample room that it provides the user to place food items on the surface, since the design of said section incorporates a flat surface that is unimpeded by cup holders or other features that may be inconvenient to the user.

[0031] Another advantage of the lap tray section of the present invention is the aspect of slip-resistance resulting from the textured finish provided as part of the molding process, which applies to food items placed on the top surface of said section, and to the bottom surface of said section where it contacts the user's lap to help prevent sliding of the present invention off the lap of the user during use.

[0032] Another advantage of the lap tray section of the present invention is that it is reusable and provides effective protection for the user from food and drink spills, due to the solid plastic surface and raised lip on the perimeter of said section.

[0033] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the detailed description of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0034]FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of the reusable torso protector section attached to reusable lap tray section.

[0035]FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of the lap tray section.

[0036]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of lap tray section.

[0037]FIG. 4 is a front view of the torso protector section.

[0038]FIG. 5 is an axonometric back view of the torso protector section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Now referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the detachable torso protector section 1, in its attached position to lap tray section 2. According to the present invention, a torso protector section 1, is provided as an integral part of the invention which attaches to a portable lap tray section 2, allowing for a means of pivoting the torso protector section 1 in a direction toward or away from the user's torso. The torso protector section 1 is molded of a flexible composite material, having an hourglass shape 17 (FIG. 4), with a flat surface and raised edges 3, on both sides. The top portion has a slight downward radius from the uppermost edge 4, with molded trim lines 5, spaced at one inch increments and parallel with like curvature to the uppermost edge 4. The bottom portion has two molded identical cylindrical attachment points 6 (FIG. 4) positioned along the bottom edge 7 (FIG. 4) and equally spaced from the outer edges 8 (FIG. 4) for stability.

[0040] In continuing reference to FIG. 1, the portable lap tray section 2, is molded from a rigid plastic material and includes a flat support surface 9, having a basic rectangular shape with rounded corners 10, to accommodate food items. The top 9 and bottom 11 (FIG. 3) surfaces of the lap tray section 2 incorporate a texture as part of the molding process to provide slip resistance. The bottom surface 11 (FIG. 3) of the lap tray section 2 has molded guidelines 12 (FIG. 3), to define areas for the end user to apply additional adhesive-backed slip-resistant material. The perimeter of the lap tray section 2 has a raised lip 13, which serves as a containment barrier for spilled food and beverages. The lap tray section 2 has a curved back edge 14, to conform to the user's waist providing for a more stable fit when resting on the user's lap in a seated position. Raised identical attachment clip channels 15 are located on the top surface of the lap tray section 2 at an equal distance from the back edge 14, to coincide and accept the cylindrical shaped attachment points 6 (FIG. 4), of the torso protector section 1 of the invention, allowing for unobstructed pivotal movement of the torso protector section 1 while attached to the lap tray section 2 during use.

[0041] Said attachment clip channels 15 (FIG. 2), have convex dimple “pressure” points 16 (FIG. 2), located on the interior channel walls 18 (FIG. 2) to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section 1, to the lap tray section 2 by placing the torso protector cylindrical attachment points 6 (FIG. 4), into the lap tray clip channels 15 (FIG. 2), and applying slight downward pressure with the torso protector section 1 to compress the cylindrical attachment points 6 (FIG. 4) as they are moved past and below the convex dimple points 16 (FIG. 2) on the channel clip walls 18 (FIG. 2) to rest firmly between the dimple points 16 (FIG. 2) and the base of the attachment clip channels 15 (FIG. 2), thereby establishing a secure attachment of the two sections of the present invention, without compromising the pivotal adjustment capability. This means of attachment provides slight tension at the pivotal point to maintain a desired angle of the torso protector section 1 in relationship to the attached lap tray section 2, so that the torso protector section 1 may be easily adjusted to rest in a comfortable and practical manner on the user's torso. Conversely, the torso protector section 1 may be easily separated from the lap tray section 2, with a slight upward pressure on the torso protector section 1.

[0042] Now referring to FIG. 2, detailed view of raised identical attachment clip channels 15 are located on the top surface of the lap tray section 2 at an equal distance from the back edge 14 and positioned to coincide with and accept the cylindrical shaped attachment points 6 (FIG. 4) of the torso protector section 1 (FIG. 4) of the present invention, allowing for unobstructed pivotal movement of the torso protector section 1 (FIG. 4) when attached to the lap tray section 2 during use. Said attachment clip channels 15 have convex dimple “pressure” points 16 located on the interior channel walls 18 to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section 1 (FIG. 4) to the lap tray section 2. Also detailed is curved back edge 14 of lap tray section 2 which conforms to the user's waist providing for a more stable fit when resting on the user's lap in a seated position.

[0043] Now referring to FIG. 3, detailed view of bottom 11 of lap tray section 2 shows molded guidelines 12, to define areas for the end user to apply additional adhesive-backed slip-resistant material.

[0044] Now referring to FIG. 5, The thickness of the flexible material of the torso protector section 1, is greater at the bottom 7, where it attaches to the lap tray section 2 (FIG. 2) to further enhance stability and becomes progressively thinner along the axis up to the top edge 4, where increased flexibility is required. The back surface of the torso protector section 1 is smooth and flat with no raised detail.

[0045] Although the present invention has been shown and described with regards to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood that those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A portable and reusable lap tray with detachable torso protector comprising; a portable lap tray section molded from a rigid, food grade plastic material that includes a flat textured support surface and a raised lip around the entire perimeter; said lap tray section has a curved back edge to generally conform to the user's waist and has raised attachment clip channels located on the top surface to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section; a bottom of said lap tray section having a textured surface and molded guidelines to define areas for the end user to apply adhesive-backed, slip-resistant material; a torso protector section molded of a flexible composite material, having an hourglass shape with a flat surface and raised edges which aid in channeling spilled food or beverage down torso protector section where it is contained within the attached lap tray section; said torso protector section having two cylindrical attachment points along the bottom edge allowing for pivotal movement of the torso protector section; wherein said attachment points provide a means for attachment and detachment from the lap tray section; said torso protector section having a slight downward radius from the upper edge with molded trim lines, having like curvature to the uppermost edge, for custom trimming to accommodate the size of both adults and children.
 2. A torso protector section comprising; a flexible composite molded material, having an hourglass shape with a flat surface and raised edges which aid in channeling spilled food or beverage down torso protector section where it is contained within the attached lap tray section; said torso protector section having two cylindrical attachment points along the bottom edge allowing for pivotal movement of the torso protector section; wherein said attachment points provide a means for attachment and detachment from the lap tray section; said torso protector section having a slight downward radius from the upper edge with molded trim lines, having like curvature to the uppermost edge, for custom trimming to accommodate the size of both adults and children.
 3. The torso protector section of claim 2, wherein said torso protector section is made of safe, flexible molded composite material.
 4. The torso protector section of claim 2, wherein the bottom portion has two cylindrical molded attachment points positioned along the bottom edge; wherein said attachment points provide a means for pivotal movement of torso protector section; wherein said attachment points provide a means for attachment and detachment of torso protector section from said lap tray section of claim
 1. 5. The torso protector section of claim 2, wherein the side edges have a raised lip on the top surface for channeling spills down said torso protector section where it is contained on said lap tray section of claim
 1. 6. The torso protector section of claim 2, wherein the uppermost edge includes a slight downward radius.
 7. The torso protector section of claim 2, further comprising molded trim lines spaced at one inch increments from the top edge with like curvature to the uppermost edge.
 8. The torso protector section of claim 2, wherein said torso protector section is made of safe, flexible molded composite material to facilitate trimming by the end user (i.e. with scissors) for desired length.
 9. The torso protector section of claim 2, wherein both sides of said torso protector section have a slight inward radius forming an hourglass shape.
 10. The torso protector section of claim 9, wherein said hourglass shape provides freedom of arm movement when in use.
 11. A portable and reusable lap tray comprising; a portable lap tray section molded from a rigid, food grade plastic material that includes a flat textured support surface and a raised lip around the entire perimeter; said lap tray section has a curved back edge to generally conform to the user's waist and has raised attachment clip channels located on the top surface to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section; a bottom of said lap tray section having a textured surface and molded guidelines to define areas for the end user to apply adhesive-backed, slip-resistant material.
 12. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein said lap tray section is molded from rigid, food-grade plastic material.
 13. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein top support surface is slightly textured for added slip resistance when food or beverage items are placed on said surface during use.
 14. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein top support surface has a raised lip around the entire perimeter for spill containment.
 15. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein two identical molded clip channels on top support surface located near back edge facilitate attachment and detachment of said torso protector of claim
 2. 16. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein said molded clip channels of claim 15 provide for unobstructed pivotal movement of torso protector section in a direction either toward or away from the user's torso for desired comfort and freedom of movement.
 17. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein said molded clip channels of claim 15 have convex dimple “pressure” points located on the interior channel walls to facilitate positive attachment of said torso protector section of claim
 2. 18. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein said lap tray section has a curved back edge to generally conform to the user's waist for added stability and comfort while resting on the user's lap in a seated position.
 19. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein bottom of said lap tray section is flat and has a textured surface for slip resistance.
 20. The lap tray section of claim 11, wherein bottom surface of claim 19 has molded guidelines to define areas for the end user to apply adhesive-backed, slip-resistant material therefore providing greater stability of lap tray section of claim 11 and torso protector section of claim 2 when in use. 